McCarthy hopes Mun are right for Crokes

Ballymun Kickhams’ James McCarthy is hoping that his side can take another step towards a Dublin SFC title when they face Kilmacud Crokes in Saturday’s semi-final at Parnell Park (5.0).

The game provides the curtain-raiser to a very attractive double-header, reigning champions St Vincent’s encounter St Jude’s in the second game at the Donnycarney venue (6.45).

The Mun last tasted senior championship success in Dublin in 2012 and for James his side have under-achieved but are extra determined to make up for lost time.

“Without a doubt, I think we have. To have won only one county title is a bit disappointing for ourselves.

“We’re just trying to make that right and try and get another one – and who knows what happens then after that.

“But we’ve a very tough game on Saturday against a really good side (Kilmacud Crokes), who beat Castleknock the last day.

“We can’t be looking ahead because, if you do, you’d be put out on your arse.

“We would love to get another chance of competing outside Dublin but we have to earn the right to do that,” adds James.

Opponents Crokes edged out last year’s beaten finalists, Castleknock, by a point in their quarter-final with Dublin seniors Paul Mannion and Cian O’Sullivan to the fore with Mannion scored a stunning first half goal.

The southsiders were shorn of two members of this year’s All-Ireland U21FC winning team, Tom Fox and Dan O’Brien, for their slim victory over Castleknock and will hoping they can play some role this weekend.

In the second semi-final holders St Vincent’s will be hoping to reach the final for the fifth year in-a-row.

Vinnies impressed in their comprehensive 0-20 to 0-7 quarter-final victory over St Sylvester’s but in St Jude’s will meet one of the better defensively organised teams in the county, who can also play a very hard-running, counter-attacking game.

BALLYMUN KICKHAMS

Record to date: Beat St Patrick’s Palmerstown (5-17 to 2-6); Beat St Mary’s Saggart (8-18 to 0-2); Beat St Brigid’s (1-17 to 1-9).

Last time SFC winners: 2012.

KILMACUD CROKES

Record to date: Beat Erin’s Isle (10-12 to 0-7); Beat Parnell’s (0-15 to 1-9); Beat Castleknock (2-8 to 1-10).

Last time SFC winners: 2010.

ST VINCENT’S

Record to date: Beat Round Tower Clondalkin (3-19 to 3-4); Beat Na Fianna (2-11 to 0-12); Beat St Sylvester’s (0-20 to 0-7).

Last winners: 2016.

ST JUDE’S

Record to date: Beat Naomh Mearnóg (1-20 to 0-6); Beat Skerries Harps (2-17 to 0-7); Beat Cuala (0-16 to 1-7).

Last winners: N/A.